A pretty decent Grand

For my first trip to the South American continent I chose Brazil. The shackles of hotel loyalty have secured me tightly and so I selected the Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo, despite its less than enviable location.

Overall, I was impressed and would return, but only at a lower price point than what the hotel was asking (they were seeking circa USD285; I got a BRG of USD180).

After not being able to link up with my Uber driver at GRU I grabbed a taxi to the hotel. It took about 75 minutes at a cost of AUD100. Not cheap. Unfortunately, I had less than the BRL equivalent of this and was a little concerned as to how I would pay. I asked a bellman if there was an ATM nearby as I didn't have enough cash for the taxi and he happily informed me that reception would extend a cash advance. So I ran to reception where I was loaned the amount of the taxi, in cash, after providing USD100 as surety. I later learned that the benefit would cost me 5%, but so be it.

I was offered check-in in the lounge which I accepted. It was quick and efficient and I was offered a drink while the formalities were taken care of.

I had applied a DSU and received the DSU suite, a grand suite king. 

The room was a good size, athough not overly so. There was a separate sitting area with three lounges and a large desk as well as a TV, DVD player, refrigerator and coffee table. This was adjoined by the entry area. 

The bedroom was also very large and featured windows across 50% of it. The bed was the usual Hyatt standard: very comfortable. There was another TV and, from memory, a second DVD player. 

Service was great and just what one would expect from a Grand. Not outstanding but my no means faultering. The staff I interacted with were polite and professional and generally eager to help.

Housekeeping was impeccable, really outstanding. Simple things like hanging a coat in the closest that was placed around a chair. It was clear housekeepers were not in a rush but were there to improve the room and therefore the guest experience.

I'm not sure what to make of breakfast. I would summise somewhere about 40% of it was carbs which doesn't really rock my world. Everything was presented very nice and the quality was decent. There was only one two-slice toaster for the entire restaurant which is just silly. There is a made-to-order egg and waffle station. One morning I ordered waffles and they were presented cold (lukewarm, I guess) and crispy.

The location is far from the hotel's strong point. When I asked a bellman for directions to the subway to go downtown I was told a taxi would be better. It took a good 20 minutes each way, depending on traffic, which is horrendous.

It's really not in a good location.

That said, tourist attractions aside, there are several 'all you can eat buffets' within a 10-15 minute walk. Lunch charges were roughly AUD16 which is quite good. Beyond that, there's little in the immediate vicinity to interest tourists.

To my surprise there were barbells in the gym. Hotel gyms, in my experience, tend not to include these, presumably to limit liability. The gym itself was a good size with a reasonable amount of equipment including some heavy dumbbells. 

Of note is there was no separate WC for guests. In fact, the dunny was part of the larger bathroom and not separated at all which may well be an issue for those expecting a little more privacy. The shower was semi-circular in shape and large. There was a separate tub and good-size vanity. Closest space was more than ample with two separate hanging facilities as well as plenty of draw space.

Soaps were Granado, a local Brazilian brand, while liquids were a non-descript Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo brand.

I would recommend the hotel although only if location isn't a top priority.

On the return to the airport I took an Uber at a cost of BRL87 (~AUD35). It took an astonishing 125 minutes, late on a Friday afternoon. I made my airline check-in with less than 15 minutes to spare.